Diaspora contribution made by following Bhote Koshi floods incomparable: NC Leader Lama
Addressing a community interaction program organized by the Nepali Public Relations Committee, South California, on Tuesday, he stated that he has been consistently advocating in Parliament and before the government for the continuity of Nepali citizenship for members of the diaspora who stood by the motherland during the natural disaster.
Joint General Secretary Lama stated that he had initiated rescue and relief operations immediately after the Bhote Koshi floods and deployed three of his bulldozers to reopen the blocked road across the Trishuli River; he further noted that the support of Nepalis living abroad would be invaluable for rebuilding the infrastructure in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, which had suffered unimaginable human and material losses.
Describing the support provided by the international community—particularly India and the Indian diaspora—as invaluable, Lama expressed hope for similar assistance in the reconstruction of educational institutions, the provision of shelter for the homeless, and the care of orphans.
Ram Chandra Lamichhane, President of the Nepali Public Relations Committee (South California), stated that the Committee stands with the people of Rasuwa and Nuwakot during this national crisis; he announced that the first phase of relief aid had been distributed through the Nepali Congress and affirmed that support would continue in the future.
Expressing regret over the revocation of citizenship by descent for Nepalis living abroad—who have always stood by their motherland during times of hardship—Lamichhane urged for initiatives to ensure the continuity of Nepali citizenship.
During the program, a minute of silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives in the Bhote Koshi floods, and Committee Vice-Chairperson Ajit Ghimire welcomed the participants.
During the interaction program, community leaders Rishi Dhakal, Bhakta Thapa, Arjun Paudel, Rajesh Pandey, and Ram Babu Pandey, along with Lok Timsina—a central committee member of the Nepali Public Relations Committee—stated that the Nepali community in Los Angeles stands in solidarity with their compatriots during this time of crisis in the motherland, offering their physical effort, emotional support, and financial contributions to the best of their ability.
The program was held under the coordination of Shamsher Bhandari ‘Subas’, Treasurer of the Nepali Public Relations Committee, South California, and presided over by President Ram Chandra Lamichhane.
